Unknown

“ This proclamation having been made by the herald, the whole multitude both of the heathen and Jews, who dwelt at Smyrna, cried out with uncontrollable fury, and in a loud voice, “This is the teacher of Asia, [32] the father of the Christians, and the overthrower of our gods, he who has been teaching many not to sacrifice, or to worship the gods.” Speaking thus, they cried out, and besought Philip the Asiarch [33] to let loose a lion upon Polycarp. ”

“ At length, when those wicked men perceived that his body could not be consumed by the fire, they commanded an executioner to go near and pierce him through with a dagger. And on his doing this, there came forth a dove, [43] and a great quantity of blood, so that the fire was extinguished; and all the people wondered that there should be such a difference between the unbelievers and the elect, of whom this most admirable Polycarp was one, having in our own times been an apostolic and prophetic teacher, and bishop of the Catholic Church which is in Smyrna. ”

“ Chapter XIX.—Praise of the martyr Polycarp.
This, then, is the account of the blessed Polycarp, who, being the twelfth that was martyred in Smyrna (reckoning those also of Philadelphia) , yet occupies a place of his own [53] in the memory of all men, insomuch that he is everywhere spoken of by the heathen themselves. He was not merely an illustrious teacher, but also a pre-eminent martyr, whose martyrdom all desire to imitate, as having been altogether consistent with the Gospel of Christ. ”

“ And if you wish to learn what the doctrines [27] of Christianity are, appoint me a day, and thou shalt hear them.” The proconsul replied, “Persuade the people.” But Polycarp said, “To thee I have thought it right to offer an account [of my faith] ; for we are taught to give all due honour (which entails no injury upon ourselves) to the powers and authorities which are ordained of God. [28] But as for these, I do not deem them worthy of receiving any account from me.” [29]
Chapter XI.—No threats have any effect on Polycarp. ”

“ And truly, [4] who can fail to admire their nobleness of mind, and their patience, with that love towards their Lord which they displayed?—who, when they were so torn with scourges, that the frame of their bodies, even to the very inward veins and arteries, was laid open, still patiently endured, while even those that stood by pitied and bewailed them. ”

“ For, having through patience overcome the unjust governor, and thus acquired the crown of immortality, he now, with the apostles and all the righteous [in heaven] , rejoicingly glorifies God, even the Father, and blesses our Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of our souls, the Governor of our bodies, and the Shepherd of the Catholic Church throughout the world. [54]
Chapter XX.—This epistle is to be transmitted to the brethren. ”

“ For Him indeed, as being the Son of God, we adore; but the martyrs, as disciples and followers of the Lord, we worthily love on account of their extraordinary [47] affection towards their own King and Master, of whom may we also be made companions [48] and fellow-disciples!
Chapter XVIII.—The body of Polycarp is burned.
The centurion then, seeing the strife excited by the Jews, placed the body [49] in the midst of the fire, and consumed it. ”

“ They that are with us salute you, and Evarestus, who wrote this Epistle, with all his house.
Chapter XXI.—The date of the martyrdom.
Now, the blessed Polycarp suffered martyrdom on the second day of the month Xanthicus just begun, [57] the seventh day before the Kalends of May, on the great Sabbath, at the eighth hour. [58] He was taken by Herod, Philip the Trallian being high priest, [59] Statius Quadratus being proconsul, but Jesus Christ being King for ever, to whom be glory, honour, majesty, and an everlasting throne, from generation to generation. Amen. ”

“ Him the proconsul, after many entreaties, persuaded to swear and to offer sacrifice. Wherefore, brethren, we do not commend those who give themselves up [to suffering] , seeing the Gospel does not teach so to do. [9]
Chapter V.—The departure and vision of Polycarp. ”